'Thrilling' nuclear war film with 92% score leaves viewers 'speechless'

A war film about the horrors of nuclear escalation is hailed by one fan as "eerily realistic" and has a 92% score among critics. The Wolf's Call (Le Chant du loup in French) is a 2019 thriller film written and directed by Antonin Baudry.

It tells the story of Chanteraide (played by François Civil), a sonar operator on French navy submarine The Titan, serving as the vessel's specialist in underwater acoustics. Chanteraide, as known by his nickname "Socks" is known for his "golden ear" for the subtle signs of an enemy presence.

At one point, despite his remarkable skills, he proves unable to work out what is producing a mysterious sound from the depths and disaster almost befalls them. Determined to make amends, his skills later become key in breathless race to avert nuclear catastrophe.

The film was a directorial debut for Baudry, who took inspiration for the film's political storylines from his time as a high-ranking French diplomat.

One Audience Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes said the film was: "Suspenseful and eerily realistic in a way that most war flicks aren't.

"Great actors, solid plot, this movie got me hanging on the edge of my seat for the majority of those 2h," they continues, adding:" It's a fresh take on a classic."

Another said it was a "thoroughly engaging and thrilling war drama with more than the obvious submarine-shaped links to the likes of Crimson Tide and U-571. The focus on the AWA really helps to sharpen the suspense, as well as acting as a good hook into the story."

A third wrote: "This is a fantastic old-school war thriller that evokes the golden age of submarine films."

Meanwhile, another said that except for "unnecessarily making the lead character a Tom Cruise style 'cocky young guy with a new girlfriend,' the plot is pure submariner stuff for the viewers that like edge of your seat military drama".

Jordan Mintzer, a critic for The Hollywood Reporter wrote that it was an "altogether gripping experience... placing a young man with exceptional hearing powers at the heart of an apocalyptic scenario that only he can resolve".

However, others suggested that the narrative was a bit over the top, with Philip De Semlyen writing for TimeOut reflecting: "The plot, which heads off in some improbable directions, recalls 'The Spy Who Loved Me' in a way you suspect it's not supposed to."

Nevertheless, the film has a strong rating among critics on the site, with a Tomatometer score of 92% (percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who gave the film a positive review).

The Wolf's Call is available to buy or rent on various platforms, including Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.